Fast Babes Featured Rider: @ajaxathon
Name: Alex
Instagram: @ajaxathon
Alex is based in LA and rides a Street Bob 107. You can catch her at Babes Ride Out every year or leading group rides out to the desert. If you see Alex out on the road make sure to say HI!
📸: @ Kelly Balch
Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?
I grew up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Currently I live in Los Angeles
How did you initially get involved with motorcycles?
I’ve always had a fascination with motorcycles ever since I was little. I loved when riders would wave to me when I was in the back seat of my parent car as a kid and I always knew I’d get one some day. I started riding when I was 24 and living in New York City. I rode solo for a while and then met The Miss Fires in Brooklyn and started going on rides with them.
📸: @anandanineone
When did you get your first bike and what was it?
I got my first bike in April of 2014. It was a 2001 Suzuki GS 500.
What do you currently ride and why?
Currently I ride a HD Street Bob 107. I love the style, the stance and the power of this bike. It’s great for trips but it’s not as big or expensive as a bagger. It’s also maneuverable for lane splitting and has great acceleration ( for its class) for getting out of sticky situations.
📸: @abzcruz
What is your happiest memory that involves motorcycles?
I’m very lucky that I’ve had so many motorcycle adventures and awesome times.
I would say every Babes Ride Out gets better and better.
I’ve also ridden a loop around Manhattan on the West Side Highway and FDR Drive in the middle of the night just to see the view.
A few years ago I rode with friends up Highway 1 to Big Sur and taken my VERY on-road bike off-road for a photo opp.
Recently I rode to Death Valley with a big group of my hooligan friends and we had the time of our lives. Although we also froze our asses off. But that’s what it’s all about.
Outside of motorcycles, tell us a little about yourself?
When I’m not lane splitting or leading a group ride into the desert Im usually enjoying a hike or some delicious LA cuisine. I recently took up film photography and I’m excited to share some of my photos soon!
📸: @anandanineone
How have you become a more confident rider? Things you’ve done to help you gain confidence?
Firstly, I took the M1 course when I first started out. Having professional instruction laid the groundwork for good riding and steered me away from picking up bad habits from learning from other riders. Second, I focused the majority of my first season of riding in New York on solo riding. I rode my own ride and got to know my bike and my limits before trying group riding which is a whole different animal than being on your own. Lastly, I stay geared up. I invest in my riding gear because it’s the only thing between me and the road ( and LA drivers). So many women owned brands are making gear that looks great on and off bike. I’d suggest new riders check out Stellar Moto Brand, Nine Lives, and Atwyld.
What is your dream trip/bucket list ride(s)?
The thing about riding in CA is that all the best rides are here! But I’d love to do a trip to Baja Mexico on adventure bikes both on road and off road. I’m imagining camping on the beach with friends, eating good food, and taking in all the views from the saddle.
How do you think motorcycles have changed your life?
Motorcycles have really shaped my whole adult life. I can’t imagine not having a bike and not being involved in the community.
📸: @onebusybee
Do you have any upcoming motorcycle trips/rides planned?
Short term I’m looking forward to getting the Death Valley gang back together for another National Park ride. Longer term I’m making plans to do The Dream Roll this summer and generally taking on whatever life throws my way.
📸: @abzcruz